A situation where urgent withdrawal is required SIM-A card from a smartphone, and a signature paper clip is not on hand, familiar to many owners of technology, it can happen on a trip, at work or at home, when the tool is lost among the trifles. Fortunately, the design of trays in Xiaomi devices, Redmi and other devices. POCO It is sufficiently unified that it allows the use of various household items to solve this problem.
However, caution should be exercised, as careless handling of holes in the case can damage the internal mechanisms.It is important to understand that the diameter of the hole for extracting the tray is only about 1.2 millimeters, and the use of too thick objects is unacceptable. In this article, we will look at proven methods that will help to safely open the slot, and also discuss which items are categorically not to be used.
Before you start physically affecting the body of the device, you need to prepare the workplace. Make sure you have good lighting to clearly see the hole under the tray. It is also recommended to wipe the screen and body with a soft cloth so that your hands do not slip during the operation.
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects such as needles from syringes or sharpened pins, as their tip may break inside the hole, blocking the mechanism permanently.
Why is the paper clip lost and what is the problem of trays
Many users have wondered why manufacturers still use mechanical trays that require a special tool. Xiaomi’s modern smartphones use a forced push mechanism that provides tight fit contacts and protection from dust. Lack of a clip in the kit or its loss creates temporary inconvenience, but is not a critical problem.
The challenge is that the extraction hole is located in the narrow end of the body, and when you try to pick the tray with your nails or blunt objects, it often only results in scratches on the frame of the smartphone, and the latch mechanism inside requires a point pressure to the bottom of the hidden lever.
Statistics show that most slot damage is due to the use of inappropriate tools: users try to widen the hole or tray, disrupting the geometry of the plastic frame.
Safe household alternatives to paperclip
The most obvious and safe option is to find a regular stationery paper clip in the house, which is perfect for diameter and stiffness. If a standard paper clip seems too soft to you, you can use it folded twice to increase the stiffness of the structure.
Another great option is a sewing pin. Unlike a needle, the pin has a thickening at the end, which prevents the tip from getting too deep and breaking. The metal that makes the pins has the necessary elasticity. Before using, make sure that the pin is not rusty so as not to stain the contacts inside the phone.
If you have a stationery knife with interchangeable blades on hand, you can use the tip of the blade itself, but only the corner of the blade. This method requires high accuracy and a firm hand, and the blade must enter the hole strictly perpendicularly, without tilting, so as not to scratch the inner walls of the channel.
- 📎 Stationery paperclip - the classic option that is in every office, ideal in size.
- 🧷 Sewing pin – safer than a needle thanks to a limiter, often lying in a sewing box.
- 🔪 The tip of the knife requires caution, but allows you to create the necessary pressure.
- 📏 Thin Screwdriver – If you have a set of precision tools, choose the thinnest one.
Using these objects creates enough force to trigger the spring tray. The main rule is that the tool must be thin and strong. Flexible or too thick objects will not be able to transfer force to the latch mechanism.
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If you use a metal clip or pin, pre-wipe it with alcohol or a wet wipe to degrease the surface and avoid getting dirt inside the smartphone.
Improvised tools: what can be used
In emergency situations, when metal objects are not available, you can resort to more exotic materials, for example, some users successfully use thin wire from headphones or chargers, if the end is hard enough, but this method is less predictable.
Wood toothpicking can also be a lifesaver, but with one important caveat: The wooden tip needs to be slightly sharpened or cut to make it flat and hard. When inserted into the hole, wooden shavings can remain inside, so this method is considered a temporary solution. After removing the tray, be sure to blow the hole.
There is a belief that you can use a plastic card folded several times, but it is a myth: plastic does not have enough rigidity to overcome the resistance of the spring tray in modern Xiaomi models.
| Tool. | Efficiency | Risk of damage | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperclip | Tall. | Low. | Recommended |
| Pin | Tall. | Low. | Recommended |
| Toothpick | Medium | Medium (chips) | Carefully. |
| Scissors | Low. | High-pitched | Not recommended |
| Needle from syringe | Tall. | critical | Forbidden. |
When choosing a tool, always assess the risks. Metal objects are preferred because they don't break inside the machine. If you use wood or plastic, act slowly and without abrupt jerks.
Technique for safe tray extraction
Extraction process SIM-Not only does the card require the right tool, but it also requires the right execution technique. First, turn off your smartphone. SIM, power outage will eliminate possible software errors or short circuits in contact with metal.
Find a small circular hole on the end of the device. In Redmi Note and Xiaomi Mi models, it is usually located on the bottom or top end, next to the noise reduction microphone. Don't confuse it with the microphone hole - it is usually slightly smaller and located differently.
Insert the tool you select perpendicular to the surface of the body. You should feel a slight stress. Press confidently, but without undue effort. If the tray doesn't come out, don't push harder -- you may not have hit the mechanism. Try changing the angle of the tool slightly.
☑️ Safe extraction algorithm
When the tray appears from the body, don't pull it sharply. Tuck it with your fingers and smoothly remove it. If the tray is stuck halfway, swing it from side to side to release the clamps. Sharp twitching can damage the contact pads.
⚠️ Warning: If the tray is not removed after several attempts, do not use force.Perhaps the mechanism is jammed and further pressure will lead to breakage of the body.
What to do categorically can not be done
There are a number of actions that can turn a simple replacement into a new one. SIM-First of all, avoid using stationery knives with a wide blade.A wide blade can scratch the frame of a smartphone or, worse, damage the screen if it slips.
Never use electrical appliances or objects under voltage. Although this seems obvious, in a hurry you can grab the first wire or screwdriver, this is guaranteed to bring the motherboard down.
Don't try to crack the tray if it doesn't lend itself. In some Xiaomi models, the tray can get stuck due to the deformation of the body after a fall. Trying to knock it out with a hammer or hitting the phone hard on the table will destroy the internal components.
- 🚫 Wide scissors - can scratch the end of the body and damage antenna inserts.
- 🚫 Large diameter screwdrivers – will not enter the hole and can crack the plastic around.
- 🚫 Teeth – trying to grab the tray with your teeth will damage the enamel and body of the phone.
Remember that repairing the tray extraction mechanism in a service center can cost more than replacing it. SIM-If you're not sure about your abilities, you'd better wait for the right tool to come along.
What to do if the tip of the instrument breaks inside?
Features of the design of trays in different models
The design of trays in Xiaomi devices has changed over the years. In older models such as the Redmi Note 4X, trays were tighter and required significant effort. In modern flagships and budgeters, the mechanism has become more sensitive, but also more fragile.
In some models with moisture protection (for example, the Xiaomi 12/13) tray has an additional rubber seal. This creates additional resistance when extracting, in such cases, it is important not to be afraid to press a little harder, but strictly control the direction of effort.
Special attention should be paid to the combined trays that support two SIM-These are more complex geometries and can get stuck if the memory card is not fully installed.
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Modern trays Xiaomi sensitive to distortions – insert the tool strictly perpendicular to avoid damaging the rubber seal moisture protection.
What to do if the tray is damaged or lost
If you damage a tray during the keyless extraction process (for example, it bent or cracked), it must be replaced.Using a deformed tray can cause it to jam inside the phone or not provide contact with the phone. SIM-card.
You can buy a new tray at parts stores or marketplaces. When ordering, specify the exact model of the smartphone, since the trays from the Redmi Note 10 will not fit the Redmi Note 11, despite the appearance of the similarity.
If you lose the paperclip, don't worry, because we found it's easy to replace, but to avoid this kind of situation in the future, stick a new paperclip on the inside of your phone case or store it in the wallet card room.